McLaren F1 Boss Uses Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo to Highlight Major Flaws With Red Bull Racing

McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes Red Bull does not give enough opportunities to young drivers. This comes after the Red Bull academy let go of current IndyCar driver Pato O’ Ward.

Pato O’Ward joined the Red Bull Academy back in 2019. The Mexican competed in Formula 2 for one race; he, however, could not gather the required points to compete in Formula One. Consequently, Red Bull released him the same year.

Zak Brown claims Red Bull is ‘Brutal’

Zak Brown believes Red Bull turned a blind eye to O’Ward’s potential. He also feels that the Bulls have let go of many quality drivers in their recent history. O’Ward currently drives for Arrow McLaren SP in the IndyCar Championship.

Although Red Bull have had their share of successful drivers from their academy, Brown revealed that the Austrian team could give more opportunities to the up-and-coming drivers.

Using O’Ward as an example, the Mclaren Team Boss said, “It was definitely overlooked. I think while he was there, Red Bull only gave him about three races.” (Quotes translated using google translate)

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Brown also admitted that Red Bull are successful in the way they operate, so he can’t quite blame them. He also talked about former McLaren driver Carlos Sainz, as well as current McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo, and feels the Bulls move quickly from driver to driver.

“They’re a bit brutal,” he stated, “Carlos [Sainz] is a great example. Daniel had already proven how good he was but he chose to leave. Vettel left. Max is a great story and someone that they found. [Alex] Albon, [Pierre] Gasly. Gasly looks like a hell of a driver. They move through a lot of drivers.”

What’s Next for O’Ward?

Racing for the Arrow McLaren SP, last season, Pato O’Ward came close to winning the Championship, and is constantly improving.

Formula One teams can now test their cars from last year. And the change in regulations means a team should now use a rookie in at least two free practices. O’Ward is in contention to take the place.

McLaren feels O’Ward is one for the future. However, Brown revealed that if he cannot find a seat for the Mexican in Formula One, and he can continue in the IndyCar Championship with the Arrow McLaren SP.

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He added, “What we won’t do is compromise the IndyCar team at all. I would never take Pato out of IndyCar and into F1 without having a great solution.”

Pato O’Ward is showing bags of potential as an IndyCar driver. What is in the store for the 22-year-old remains to be seen.